The random act of violence on news reporter Dan Rather that inspired a 1994 R.E.M. hit song also sparked the Edinburgh Fringe Festival hit, Kenneth — What is the Frequency?, which is set for a New York premiere.

78th Street Theatre Lab presents the darkly comedic play by Paul Allman at its uptown space Oct. 21-Nov. 21. The official press opening is set for Oct. 24. Eric Nightengale directs.

Based on real events surrounding the 1986 attack on anchorman Dan Rather, Kenneth — What is the Frequency? follows the mystery behind the fateful evening of Oct. 4, when William Tager assaulted Rather, repeating the titular question in an attempt to end what he said was a conspiracy — that the news media was beaming signals into Tager's head. The show purports another theory for the attack.

Seen in the 2004 Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Kenneth will feature Larry Bull, Stephanie Dodd, Phillip Douglas and Adam Erdossy, with Toby Wherry as anchorman Dan Rather. Production design is by Tyler Micoleau.

Kenneth — What is the Frequency? is part of the 78th Street Theatre Lab's "From Page to Stage" series, drawing on people and events pulled from newspaper stories. Previous "From Page to Stage" productions include Man in the Flying Lawnchair, Snatches and Boy Steals Train.

For tickets to Kenneth — What is the Frequency? at 78th Street Theatre Lab, 236 West 78 Street, call (212) 868-4444 or visit www.78thStreetTheatreLab.org.